
by Bill Schwingel, Interior Alignment® Master Teacher
When I was young, I found joy through my imagination. I would pretend to live in other worlds where I walked as a wild animal trying to feel what it would be like to have their strength or cunning or ingenuity. I would create magical worlds from my collections of miniatures – I had 86 Smurfs, each with its own name, or futuristic cities with my many Micronauts.
I read books on Greek mythology, picturing myself slaying the gorgon Medusa or the Minotaur, and turned to superhero comics and games like Dungeons & Dragons to fuel my need for adventure and fantastic lands.
It’s probably why some of my favorite books have always been fantasies where wizards led unexpected heroes on one adventure after another.
As I reached adulthood, I found myself turning away from those tried–and-true dream generators because I thought that’s what I was supposed to do. As an adult, you’re supposed to read newspapers and respected magazines, become a well-rounded individual aware of the “real” world.
I became embarrassed about the interest I still had in the fantastic, which had transformed into a passion for the metaphysical. I’ll admit that some of this still exists in me today, this fear of what others will think when they learn that I believe in things like spirit guides and animal totems, energy within us and around us, and our ability to affect the world in powerful, positive ways simply by being true to who we are.
But here’s the thing – this is where I find my joy. When I talk about feng shui and space clearing with someone, my energy shifts upward. When I have the opportunity to offer Reiki or guide people on journeys that give them insight and inspiration, I know deep down I’m making a difference. When I learn from people about their own spiritual journeys and the tools they use to help themselves or others, it lights up my soul.
And yet, that doubt within still exists, but I’ve found a way to deal with that irritating voice that tells me what others will think of me. I do something that brings me joy every day. That could be pulling an Oracle Card, watching a D&D show (Critical Role, Dimension 20 and Not Another D&D Podcast are phenomenal), creating an altar for a friend, walking in nature and imagining the seen and unseen creatures all around me or simply speaking with the garden.
The point is, I do at least one thing that lifts me each day. No matter what others may think of my “woo, woo” self, they can’t take away the joy I get by simply being me.
Bill Schwingel, Interior Alignment® Master Teacher
Bill Schwingel is a Master Teacher of Interior Alignment(R) providing feng shui and space clearing consultations for the past two decades. Based outside of Chicago, he also offers certifications in Instinctive Feng Shui(TM) and Seven Star Blessing(TM) Space Clearing. Learn more by visiting him at www.fengshui-24.com.
The Library We Hold Within
by Kerry Dalzotto, Advanced Soul Coaching(R) PractitionerI stood there alone with a scrumptious canape in one hand and my entrance ticket in the other. I watched and observed as others around me mingled and chatted with one another, laughing, smiling and...
Finding Joy in the Unknown
by Felicia D'Haiti, Interior Alignment® Master Teacher, Soul Coaching® Trainer, Clutter Clearing Mentor For years, one of my goals has been to be a full-time entrepreneur. Because I created and held onto the belief that for my work to have meaning, it would...
Surrender To The Process
by Dorena Kohrs, Interior Alignment® Practitioner, Soul Coaching® Practitioner, Clutter Clearing PractitionerYou know those infamous childhood stories that get told every time your family gathers. Somewhere in between the second helping of mashed potatoes...
Delight is Journey: Make it Joyful
by Bill Schwingel, Interior Alignment® Master Teacher, Soul Coaching(R) Practitioner Ever finish doing something and realize that “thing” created a shift? A shift in the way you think, the way you feel or the way you plan to move forward? For me recently, it...
Press Play on Delight
by Kyla Tustin, Soul Coaching® Advanced Trainer In the garden where mysteries play, Let your spirit be the guide, liberating your way. With joy as your compass, dance with glee, As magic and wonder set your heart free. Take a journey this month through days that...
Your Home as a Template for Delight
by LuAnn Cibik, Interior Alignment® Master Educator, Soul Coaching® Advanced Trainer, Master Oracle Card Reader How does the word Delight feel to you? I get the feeling of giddy giggling, big smiles, and sensuous simple pleasures. I see so many homes in my...
Following the Winds
by Terry Bowen, Master Oracle Card Reader, Soul Coaching® Trainer, Interior Alignment® Advanced Practitioner, Clutter Clearing PractitionerI can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination. ~ Jimmy DeanI had some bad...
Finding the Beauty of Breakthrough within the Breakdown
by Kyla Tustin, Soul Coaching® Advanced Trainer About eight years ago, consumed by the busy whirlwind of life and a separation, I found myself at a point where most of my time was devoted to caring for others. As a compassionate soul, trying to partially avoid some...
Breaking through Perceived Limitations
by Felicia D'Haiti, Interior Alignment® Master Teacher, Soul Coaching® Trainer, Clutter Clearing Mentor For years, one of my goals has been to be a full-time entrepreneur. Because I created and held onto the belief that for my work to have meaning, it would...